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Arsenal close on one youngster and bid for another

Arsenal are set to sign Nigeria U17 midfielder Kelechi Nwakali, according to his brother, and are also reported to have bid for Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell.

Arsene Wenger is not expected to make any further additions to his first-team squad having signed Mohamed Elneny earlier this month, but Arsenal do appear set to boost their youth ranks with the capture of Nwakali from the Diamond Football Academy.

Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also said to have been monitoring the 17-year-old, but his brother Allwell says the Gunners’ record of developing their youngsters has swayed the decision.

“Arsenal are known to have a good programme for young players,” he said.

“They develop young stars and enhance their careers, and the records are there for anyone to see and admit that we made the right and honourable choice.”

Arsenal, who have also been tracking Nwakaki’s international team-mate Samuel Chukwueze, a 16-year-old winger, are also reported to have made an offer worth £4million to sign Chilwell before the transfer window closes next Monday.

The 19-year-old has long been linked with Arsenal, as well as Liverpool, but Leicester have so far stayed firm in their desire not to sell.

“We are building and looking for good, talented young players,” Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri said earlier this month. “For this reason Ben Chilwell and Demarai Gray are with us and this is our goal now, to build with talented young players.

“Ben is our future and he stays with us. He had a very great match against Spurs, he was sure and outstanding. I am very surprised with how well he played, but that is what I wanted.”